15+ Seeds for yellow blooming Jamaican Cocktail series of Roselle Hibiscus (AKA: Florida Cranberry, Indian Sorrel, Jamaican Sorrel, Rosella, Queensland Jam Plant) Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Roselle is a WONDERFUL plant in the home landscape and one that I am truly impressed with for it's ease of care and beauty. Fifty years ago it was widely grown in Florida as a summertime hedge and for its edible calyces and I don't know why it still isn't! The dark green leaves contrast nicely with the red stems and petioles, making it a beautiful specimen even before it starts to bloom. In the fall the plants EXPLODE with yellow flowers with dark red eyes which fade to a light pink as the day wears on. Although each flower is only about 3 inches across and lasts only a day, they bushes are covered in new flowers each day. Just when other plants are starting to fade, these really liven the landscape during the fall! This variety blooms earlier than the other Roselle I have, beginning in Central Florida in September.
The edible calyces (fruits) are a bonus!
At the bottom of each flower, enclosing the bases of the five petals, is a fleshy bright red cup-like structure called a calyx, The calyx is about 1 inch in diameter. The calyces of Roselle are used to make juices, sauces, jellies, wines and pies.
Place Roselle where it will have plenty of room. This is a large annual, so thin plants to about 3 feet apart. Feed and mulch well. Roselle is often planted in rows where it forms a dense hedge by mid-summer If planted from seed in spring.
Seeds can be planted outdoors in USDA zones 8-11 -- I usually plant them in June or July. Farther north (to zone 6), start seeds indoors and transplant outside after all danger of frost. Roselle can be a short-lived perennial in zones 10 and 11, though even then, the branches usually break down from the weight of the calyxes in the fall. It really is best grown as an annual. Full Sun.
Roselle History - Purdue Univ.
Check this link for recipes for using the Roselle Calyces:
Roselle Recipes
Check this link for more history and medicinal uses of the Roselle Calyces:
Wikipedia Roselle